We start off early by driving eastwards out of Reykjavík,
through the Svínahraun lava-field, towards the Hellisheiði plateau
but just before reaching it, we'll veer off the main road and head south through
the Þrengsli pass,where one of Iceland's longest lava-caves, the so-called
Raufarhólshellir which actually passes underneath the roadway,is to be
found.
Shortly thereafter, from the top of the
hillside , the immense southern shoreline of Iceland, dotted with a few fishing
villages, will come into view and, in good visibility, the Vestman islands offshore can also be seen.
Once
in the lowlands, our route first passes along the shoreline, across the new bridge
on the Ölfusá river estuary, where anglers and seals can often be
spotted competing with one another for the catch of the ever elusive salmon.
Next, we pass through the first of these coastal villages,
Eyrarbakki, which used to be one of Iceland's main trading posts throughout the
Middle-Ages,past Litla-Hraun, the country's main penitentiary, and on to Stokkeyri,
an old fishing village whose main claim to glory is to have been the place where
Þuríður formaður, a female fishing boat captain and her crew
used to set sails in the early 19th century. A tiny folk museum dedicated to her
endeavours can be found in the village centre.
Having
passed Stokkseyri, the immensity of the South-Iceland lowlands, with it's endless
fields and pastures, will stretch out before our eyes until we reach another estuary,
that of Iceland's longest river, the Þjórsá,which unfortunately
is not bridged here so that we are forced to cross it north of the Urriðafoss
waterfall which although it does not rank among the country's mos spectacular
is still worth a visit.
Both Hella and Hvolsvöllur,
the next inland towns on our way, are perfectly suited for a mid morning halt
for refreshments, and from there we will proceed alongside the Fljótshlíð
hillside,renowned for it's saga times events.Crossing over the wash-out of yet
another big river, the Markarfljót this time, we will perceive the Eyjafjallajökull
which is both a glacier and an active volcano at the same time, and the tall but
lean Seljalandsfoss, a much admired waterfall.
The
district on the southern side of the Eyjafjalla -and Mýrdalsjökull
glaciers, being extremely well sheltered from the northern winds,enjoys a micro
climate all of it's own, as attested by the numerous wheat and barley fields which
have been planted there in recent years.But suddenly, another spectacular waterfall
springs into view: the magnificent 180 ft high Skógafoss.
We
will arrive at the picturesque village of Vík í Mýrdal around
lunchtime and after refreshments,if the tour takes place sometimes from early
spring till late summer, have the opportunity (not included) to set off, in an
amphibious vehicle owned by a local tour operator, either on a short cruise around
the Reynisdrangar rocks or even go all the way to the Dyrhólaey mull itself and to continue our journey
from there. In any case, the breathtaking landscape and very active bird life,i.e.fulmars,
kittiwakes and seagulls all year round, arctic terns, puffins by the thousands
in summer are all there for our enjoyment.
Proceeding
homewards from this southernmost tip of mainland Iceland, we will first drive
up to the edge of the glacier tongue Sólheimajökull, which strangely
enough was longtime advancing while most other glaciers in Iceland were retreating,
but now it's started to retreat as well. .
Our
last mission of the day will then be to visit the highly interesting folk museum at Skógar, which is the lifetime of achievement
of one remarkable man, Mr Þórður Tómasson, who, as a rule
takes a great pleasure in presenting it personally to his guests, an event which
many people have even considered to be the highlight of their Iceland tour.
A rapid return, via the towns of Selfoss and Hveragerði,to
Reykjavík will then be made in the late afternoon.
Duration of tour:
10 hours,
Departures: Sundays
and by request at 8:00 a.m,
Tour Price:
Price per
person, (for 3 passengers or more):
Price pr. person:
(click inside box
to select your currency)
Conditions
of sale. (please read carefully)
Services included: Transporation and guidance.
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